The Kresge and Pascal Galleries introduces “Give it Back: Stage Theory,” a contemporary exhibition by New Red Order (NRO), at the Berrie Center. The exhibition opened on Nov. 2 with an opening reception from 5-7 p.m. and continues until Dec. 9. The galleries are open to all Ramapo students and faculty members as well as the general public to check out.
NRO’s project “Give it Back: Stage Theory” is brought together by two ongoing series — “Give it Back” (2020) and “Never Settle” (2018). Using various forms of media, the project focuses on the development and evolution of groups.
“Give it Back” is a collaborative evolution of the development of an everlasting Indigenous-led movement that joins together and strategizes new avenues to transfer its land back to the Indigenous people. The organizational partner and project collaborator, Creative Time, will help during the recruitment process of potential colonists to “give back” what was once stolen.
“Never Settle” showcases the recruitment process for potential inductees. It is in the form of an initiation video that lures potential contributors with promises of decolonization and settler remediation.
NRO is a public secret society led by core contributors Jackson Polys (Tlingit), Adam Khalil (Ojibway) and Zack Khalil (Ojibway). The core contributors all have a Native heritage and collectively work with networks of self-described “informants” and “accomplices” to create established Indigenous grounds.
Since 2014, NRO has incorporated elements of media including audio and video, sculptures, installations and performances in order to shift Indigenous growth. The “Give it Back: Stage Theory” is heavily media-focused. As you walk into the exhibit, you are surrounded by NRO videos and installations.
“Give it Back: Stage Theory” goes hand in hand with “Mergers,” which blends performance works by NRO and Kite, an Oglála Lakȟóta artist, composer and academic. “Mergers” is scheduled to perform in the Adler Theater at the Berrie Center on Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m.
“Give it Back: Stage Theory” is displayed as a hub that will serve as an operating space for several Indigenous movements. Head over to the Kresge and Pascal Galleries while you still can and stroll through New Red Order’s cutting-edge exhibit.
alisanin@ramapo.edu
Photo by Ana Lisanin.
